Latest news Almost 50 degrees: Extreme heat and bushfires in Australia
Large parts of Australia are groaning under extreme heat with temperatures approaching 50 degrees. Bushfires have already triggered evacuations in the south-east.
26.01.2026, 10:52
SDA
The states of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are particularly badly affected. Many Australian media reports are talking about one of the hottest weather phenomena in years. There are warnings of possible dangers for the population and emergency services. The past few days have already seen temperatures of more than 40 degrees in some places.
45 degrees in Melbourne
"Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay indoors, stay out of the sun," the Australian Guardian quoted meteorologist Dean Narramore from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) as saying. Temperatures of around 49 degrees were expected for several locations in Victoria on Tuesday. Temperatures in the metropolis of Melbourne - where the Australian Open tennis tournament is currently being held - are also expected to rise to around 45 degrees. This would almost match the previous record of 46.6 degrees recorded in February 2009.
In parts of the state of South Australia, temperatures are likely to climb to more than 49 degrees. Even the major city of Adelaide is forecast to reach 46 degrees - and even night-time temperatures are expected to be well over 30 degrees in many places in the coming days. Further records could be set in various parts of the country later in the week. Such a prolonged heatwave is unusual even by Australian standards, said Narramore.
Evacuations due to bushfires
At the same time, several bushfires intensified in Victoria. In the Otway Ranges southwest of Melbourne, uncontrolled fires spread near towns such as Carlisle River and Gellibrand. Residents from more than 1,100 households were urged to seek safety. The flames could spread quickly due to high temperatures, dry vegetation and warm gusts of wind, the fire department warned.
